A 2022 research study reveals that smartphone apps designed to provide continuing care to people recovering from alcohol use disorder (AUD), used independently or alongside telephone monitoring and counseling, can dramatically improve positive outcomes, serving as a powerful ally in the battle against addiction.
The randomized controlled trial followed 262 participants in a 12-month intensive outpatient treatment program across Philadelphia. The study compared multiple approaches for ongoing support: traditional telephone monitoring and counseling, a mobile app designed to support recovery and prevent relapse, a combination of telephone and app interventions, and standard treatment alone.
The study’s results were striking. Participants who used the app, either alone or in conjunction with telephone support, reported a significant reduction in the number of heavy drinking days compared to those receiving only standard treatment during the 12-month study period.
Sustained Benefits Throughout the Year
Getting through the first year of sobriety is often challenging. Studies indicate that about two-thirds of people who attempt to stop drinking experience a relapse within the first six months. This study demonstrated that incorporating telephone monitoring and counseling, a recovery mobile app, or a combination of telephone counseling and the app into intensive outpatient treatment resulted in a notable improvement in recovery success over treatment as usual.
Specifically, participants using only the app averaged 6.8 heavy drinking days over the 12 months, while those using the app alongside telephone support reported 6 heavy drinking days. Those receiving standard treatment alone had 10.3 days of reported heavy drinking.
With just a slight difference in days of reported heavy drinking, the app performed comparably to the more intensive and expensive telephone counseling interventions, suggesting that it is possible to improve recovery outcomes without additional staff costs.
Technology Puts Recovery Support Within Reach
The app provided by the study offered features similar to CHESS Health’s Connections app, part of the eRecovery solution. Features included connections to peer support networks, access to educational content about addiction and recovery, inspirational messaging, and additional resources.
Most significantly, the recovery app removed barriers often present in traditional care. With confidential, 24/7 support available anytime, work schedules, family responsibilities, limited clinic office hours, transportation challenges, and geographic isolation were no longer obstacles.
Additionally, the app collected real-time assessments from participants to evaluate their risk and intervention needs. When the responses indicated an elevated risk of relapse, the system automatically sent encouraging text messages and connected individuals to additional resources.
The app was able to identify concerning patterns and provide immediate support rather than waiting for someone to recognize their own need for help. And if someone hadn’t used the app in seven days, targeted messages were sent to re-engage them, a feature that could prove to be critical during vulnerable periods.
The design of the app used in the study validates the Connections app’s emphasis on continuous monitoring and personalized interventions. Delivering targeted support based on real-time information is an essential component in the future of addiction treatment.
Apps are Cost-Effective and Scalable
The study noted that the relapse prevention app, referred to as a “therapist in the pocket,” performed nearly as well as the more expensive telephone monitoring and counseling, with less required oversight from highly trained staff. This study’s result offers important insights for healthcare systems, health plans, and providers who want to extend recovery support without additional costs and staffing requirements. Smartphone apps can deliver similar benefits more cost-effectively and reach a broader client base.
Using apps also allows healthcare systems and providers to scale, offering more support with better access.
App Reveals Strong Engagement and Positive User Experience
The research revealed another advantage of the mobile app: higher user engagement compared to traditional interventions. Participants engaged with the app more consistently than those assigned to telephone-based continuing care.
In the app-only group, participants used the app an average of 20 days per month in the first two months, which dropped to 14 days per month in subsequent months. When paired with telephone monitoring and counseling, the app was used an average of 16 days per month in months 1 and 2, and decreased to 10 days per month for the remainder of the study. Individuals using the app and receiving telephone support attended an average of 10.7 telephone counseling sessions. In comparison, those receiving telephone support completed only 8.1 sessions, indicating slightly better participation from people using the app.
The higher app engagement likely stems from several factors, including convenience and privacy. No appointments are necessary, and transportation is not a concern. Apps are interactive and personalized, which may encourage individuals to invest more time using the product.
Beyond the 12-Month Mark
The research study showed that some benefits declined at the 18-month follow-up (six months after the interventions, including the use of the app, ended). However, this finding may reinforce the value of extending app usage. Researchers indicated sustained benefits may have occurred if participants had kept using the app beyond the 12-month study period.
This insight suggests that mobile apps may be effective as ongoing, long-term tools for recovery. As the technologies adapt to an individual’s needs, they can flex as someone progresses in their recovery journey. They can also serve as a needed, familiar bridge when someone is transitioning between phases of recovery.
Moving Forward: Apps As Part of Ongoing Support
As this research shows, apps designed for recovery support provide a powerful tool in the fight against addiction. With demonstrated reductions in heavy drinking days and stronger outcomes, digital interventions offer a critical support pathway to successful recovery, whether used alone or in conjunction with other approaches.
